Microprocessor control of mechanical systems

Real-time embedded microprocessor applications are growing in number, and so is our dependance on them. Such applications require the microprocessor to respond to external events within prescribed deadlines. This paper describes the full implementation of a low-cost real-time digital system, where a PC or single board computer is used in a dedicated application to monitor and control mechanical equipment. The instrumentation chosen as prototypes in this presentation are simple motor stands (DC servomotor, stepper motor), and thermal systems; these are fairly generic to other control problems.